Some of Kilkenny’s leading business experts came together last Monday, to offer a unique approach to help small businesses ride out the recession.
The advisors with different skill sets have volunteered as part of a business support programme to give confidential advice on the specific problems facing small businesses in recession.
The programme, initiated by Fine Gael TD Simon Coveney and launched by Enterprise Trade & Innovation Minister Batt O’Keeffe in Waterford’s Tower Hotel, is being rolled out in the southeast in phase two of the plans to expand it nationwide. Phase one was launched in the Cork region in late 2009 and to date more than 60 small businesses from all sectors have benefited.
The Small Business Advice Programme is non political, not for profit voluntary initiative.
Launching the programme in the southeast, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe TD, said: “The Small Business Advice Programme is the kind of voluntary effort that can drive local entrepreneurship and stimulate economic activity in our communities as Ireland emerges from recession.”
Deputy Coveney said: “We have been delighted with the response from experts in the Kilkenny area. The consistent message you get from small business owners is that they are looking for quick, confidential, help on specific problems. The experts we have brought together here are giving their time voluntarily and will be matched to businesses seeking assistance in tackling the difficult challenges they face.”
The programme is totally confidential and involves businesses applying online at www.smallbusinessadvice.ie, detailing where they need assistance. This requirement will be matched with an adviser with knowledge in that area who will lend his/her expertise on a voluntary basis for a specific timeframe to help overcome the problem.
Project manager Donal Kissane outlined how businesses can apply. “We are keen to keep the process as simple and streamlined as possible for small business. To apply all the small business needs to do is log on to the website www.smallbusinessadvice.ie where they will get full contact details including a phone hotline 021-4534163. Small business may also apply on-line via the website, by email, or by fax - full contact details are on the website.”
Businesses in Kilkenny which want to apply to the scheme should log on to www.smallbusinessadvice.ie for further information.
